Day 197 of 280, third trimester
You are 28 weeks and 1 day
It's never too early to think about the money side of maternity leave and whether to go back to work.
83 days until your due date
Maternity leave may be the first time in years you haven't worked, which can feel daunting even though you'll soon be busy with a baby. How much you're paid depends on your employer: every company has its own policy, and you may get paid or unpaid leave for a set number of weeks, or be able to use sick or vacation days.
Ask human resources about your options. Depending on his employer, your partner may be eligible for 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Some companies are more generous and pay a percentage of salary during leave.
Maternity leave may mean a big drop in income, so talk to your partner about what will come in and go out, and how you'll manage.
Although it's a long way off, start thinking about work after the baby. You may feel you have to go back full time for financial reasons, but explore flexible hours, part-time work, or working from home one or two days a week, and start thinking about child care.
Good to know
Choosing diapers
Disposables (use once and throw away) or cloth (wash, dry, and reuse)?
- Disposable diapers are slim, super absorbent, and keep your baby dry even overnight. But they cost more (by some estimates up to $1,000 per child before potty training) and add to landfill, although eco-friendly versions with no polluting bleaches and fewer chemicals are now available.
- Cloth diapers cost less overall, although the initial outlay is bigger, and give toddlers a softer landing when they topple over. But all the soaking, washing, and drying can get you down (and has its own environmental impact); a weekly diaper-laundering service is an option at a cost. They need changing more often and are slightly harder to put on and take off, although modern ones fasten with Velcro, not pins.
- A combination can work well: use cloth most of the time and keep a pack of disposables for outings or babysitters.
Explainer
Disposables vs. cloth
Disposables are easy and ideal for outings, but cost more than cloth diapers, which can be washed and reused again and again, even for your next baby.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
Read the full 28 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.